Two recent studies have gotten me wondering about common weight terms we use in our nutrition practice — obesity and exercise.

In the first study, Yale researchers looked at parents' perceptions of common terms used to describe excess weight in children. The terms fat, extremely obese and obese were perceived by parents as negative and blaming. These terms were also seen as less likely to encourage weight loss. Instead, terms such as unhealthy weight and weight problem were perceived to be more motivating for weight loss. I suspect that the same holds true when speaking to adults about their excess pounds.

In the second study, University of Michigan researchers looked at rebranding exercise. In other words, using a marketing approach to persuade individuals to exercise. Often health care providers encourage exercise to promote long-term benefits such as health, weight loss and longevity. However, this hasn't seemed to be effective in motivating people to exercise. The researchers looked at shifting the message from what is most important to the clinician to what is most compelling to the patient. They found that individuals were more likely to exercise when the health care providers emphasized the immediate benefits of exercise, such as feeling good, reducing stress and increasing energy.

What struck me most about these studies is that terms we often use in our practice may be off-putting to those we're trying to help. I'm sure that this will create ample controversy. Some people may think that sugar coating our words may not portray the importance of the need to lose unwanted pounds and to exercise regularly. On the other hand, using more tactful terms to discuss weight — or to encourage exercise — may be the best way to achieve those goals.

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Claudia

May 4, 2012 11:46 p.m.

Thanks for this video, I try and do the right things and it's relaly hard when you live with a lot of smaller people who eat and buy whatever they like and It's always in your face. But the end of the video relaly made me see that I have to take responsibility for my health and stop using the excuse that everybody in the house is eating things I know I should not. Thanks again.

Vikas

March 30, 2012 3:25 p.m.

I disagree that using softer words is &quot;sugar coating.&quot; Like a teenager that needs to be reminded to do his homework, overweight patients will tune out doctors if they don't feel comfortable in the exam room. As a person who has been overweight most of my life, I can tell you it is refreshing when a doctor looks at me as a whole person and not just my weight. Obesity has many factors including emotional/behavioral and medical. I tended to respond better to a clinician when they provided real support, offered suggestions, and used a soft approach to my weight issue.

Lyn

March 13, 2012 5:54 p.m.

I am a fitness instructor, and would LOVE it if simple wording changes would motivate folks to adopt a healthier lifestyle! However, it seems that people make positive lifestyle changes only when they are ready. No amount of word shuffling is going to make a person commit to a physical activity regimen, and dietary changes for any length of time. Its more a matter of ones mindset at a given time. Stress, hardships, and self doubt often keep us in our comfort zones. Its difficult to muster up the motivation necessary to add exercise and say &quot;no&quot; to comfort foods unless we are feeling strong emotionally. For me a positive outlook always precedes any outward changes I make. The desire to change HAS to come from within. The only words that really make a difference are the ones we say to ourselves.

Lynn

October 26, 2011 3:53 p.m.

Words can hurt. I'm overweight and have heard these words all my life. It wasn't until I decided to accept those words used to describe my condition which helped me move to the next step of recognizing my condition. What mattered most to me was that I changed how I felt about those words, and then made up my mind to change me.

Rosalind

October 13, 2011 12:33 p.m.

I often think that both my grandmothers would laugh at the idea of someone putting an exercise machine in their homes for exercise. Their lifestyle led to exercise since they lived on a farm, grew their own vegetables, canned, etc.
I tend to equate exercise with lifestyle. Instead if watching television from 6-10, I take a walk, go for a bike ride, and socialize. It is amazing to see how many television screens are flickering while walking in the evening.

Nancy

October 12, 2011 4:13 p.m.

If a person is not already commited to the need for an exercise program, no amount of sugar coating will get them to do the right thing. Either they know the way to the gym or the pool and will want to get underway or they don't. Just focus on what options are available and let them decide for themselves the why's

jOHN

October 11, 2011 1:18 p.m.

There is no reason a patient needs to hear the word &quot;obese&quot; or &quot;extremely obese&quot;and certainly not 'fat&quot;... they know! They live it everyday.Overweight or unhealthy weight covers the entire spectrum. Yes inform them on risks associated, but the &quot;clinical&quot; label is not helpful.

Anonymous

October 7, 2011 9:55 a.m.

I don't think that putting a different spin on it is sugar coating it at all (at least where the exercise rebranding is concerned). I am also reluctant/uncomfortable using the word &quot;obese&quot; with my patients. Instead, I say that their weight puts them at increased health risk. Whether that is sugar coating it or not, I'm not sure...but I feel it makes my patients less defensive and more open to working with me.

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